Generess Fe and Acne: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• January 8, 2013

For Birth Control "For anyone reading reviews and unfamiliar with birth control, you must understand that one must be on a pill for 3 months for the body to get used to new hormones. The first 2-3 months is typically rough on any pill. For me, that manifested itself in painful acne deep under my skin on my chin for 2 months on any new pill. I hated it! After 2-3 months on a pill, it would only occur during my period week. I've used Generess Fe for a year. I tried numerous other pills and Nuvaring. After 1 month on Generess Fe, I have not had any acne. I am 26, and I had those bumps since I started my period at 12. I love this pill. I cannot believe how it changed my complexion! P.S. I had 6-day periods, it's only been 1-2 days now, and very light! Love it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2012

For Birth Control "Was on various birth control pills, the last one being Loestrin. Very moody, 15 lb. weight gain, acne (I NEVER break out). I've been on Generess for about 4 months, and it has been great. I actually LOST weight, my skin is back to being clear, and my mood swings are very mild. Besides mild breakthrough spotting at times, I have been very pleased with the results of this birth control."

• Hap...
• September 4, 2014

For Birth Control "After being on four different types of birth control pills in 3 1/2 years and having HORRIBLE side effects ranging from acne, hair falling out, spotting for months, to anxiety, to stroke-like symptoms and going to the ER, my OBGYN suggested Generess Fe. I LOVE this pill! No side effects at all, other than my breasts have gone from a 34C to a very full 34D! No weight gain (other than in my chest), nausea, headaches, no 'foggy' feeling at all. These pills are easy to take, pleasant tasting, and the light, 2-3 day periods are an awesome bonus! I am so happy to have found a birth control pill that works for me and doesn't have nasty side effects. I highly recommend this form of birth control!"

• She...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I love this birth control. It's the only one I've been on, so I can't compare it to others, but I've been on it for about 4 or 5 years. My fiancé and I don't use condoms or any other backup method, and I have never been pregnant. I didn't have any weight gain, and it cleared up acne. I love it and will stay on this until we decide to have children."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm coming up on 5 months of taking Generess Fe. The first 3 months were kind of tough. I had breakouts and lots of extra anxiety/emotional sensitivity. I never gained weight - I've actually lost 10 pounds, and my boobs feel fuller. My sex drive was always very high even before birth control, and that certainly hasn't changed. After the first three months, it was like somebody flipped a switch and I felt like my normal self again. Moods were regulated, skin was clear. The only thing I do still notice is that I usually either don't have a period, or I have one that's so light that I can't even use a tampon. If it happens, it's usually brown, and it only lasts 2-3 days. This is hard for me to get used to, but I'm starting to really enjoy it!!"

• Tal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 14, 2013

For Birth Control "I've tried several different birth control brands since I was 18 (I'm 25 now; taking it to prevent pregnancy), and Generess has been my favorite! I used to suffer from migraines, horrible acne, and cysts in my breasts because most estrogen/hormone levels were too high in other pills, but Generess is so low that it has solved all those issues. I noticed a little nausea at first. I've been on the pill for 6 months or so. I did notice a small weight gain - 5 lbs is all. I'm writing this because, for the first time since I've been using Generess, I BARELY had a period this past month, and it kind of scared me. But now, reading about the pill and other women's experiences, I'm realizing that this pill can make your periods almost non-existent. Phew."

• La0...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I've tried multiple birth control pills and the Mirena, all of which either gave me horrible acne, mood swings, constant bleeding, or abdominal pain. I've now been on the generic of Generess (Kaitlib) for 4 months and have had a positive experience. I no longer have the horrible mood swings or extreme PMS/PMDD symptoms that I did without birth control and on the other brands. No pregnancy, and I do take other prescriptions with it as well, which have so far not interfered. The only side effects I've had are a higher appetite, slightly increased hair growth where I don't want it, and now that it cleared my facial acne, I have it on my butt. Never had to use face wash on my butt before now."

• Tor...
• December 2, 2013

For Birth Control "When I first was put on Generess Fe, I had no side effects until the second week. It was like everything hit me at once. I can't stop eating, my face never breaks out, and as of now, it's acne central. I've been throwing up, and I can't even go to work without getting immediately annoyed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I finished up my first pack of Generess a week ago, and it's my first birth control pill. I know you're supposed to take it for three months before the side effects go away, but I couldn't resist reviewing. It's effective-I'm not pregnant and have regular sex. However, the side effects aren't great. The first week was okay, just some loose stool after Day 1. By the time I got halfway through the second week, I had (sometimes heavy) spotting that went on for 1.5 weeks straight. I'm not a fan of having sex while bleeding, so it was frustrating. Also, my moods swing like a pendulum. I'll go from happy to raging in ten seconds. My face breaks out more now, and I also find I'm eating a lot more than usual. The side effects are dwindling, though, so I'm happy!"

• liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2012

For Birth Control "On the medication for 8 weeks now. Terrible mood swings, bloated all the time, face constantly breaking out (after contraception, I'm taking it to clear my face), mild weight gain, very light periods - if any, SEVERE nausea and constipated since the day I started the medication. Symptoms were so bad, I thought I was pregnant for a while... took 4 pregnancy tests over 3 weeks' time to convince me it was just the severe side effects of birth control. I take no other medications on a consistent basis."

• Noe...
• February 19, 2014

For Birth Control "I just want to say finally! Finally! I've found a pill that hasn't made my skin break out, messed with my emotions, made me gain any weight, or given me a natural breast job (I have big breasts to begin with-I'm more interested in how to shrink these). My last birth control pill I took when I was a sophomore in college-5 years ago. I gained like 20 lbs, broke out, and my breasts went from C to DD. Needless to say, I felt terrible. It took me 5 years to give something else a try after that horrible experience, and I've been on Generess for 4 months now. I'm sticking to it. I love it! My skin is the best it's ever been, I haven't gained a lb, and my breasts have stayed put. Knock on wood, but I'm liking this pill a lot!"

• mm3...
• August 22, 2014

For Birth Control "LOVE this birth control! First 3 months were pretty rough as my body adjusted, but now that I'm on my 5th pack, I feel 100% like myself! No acne, no weight gain, no mood swings, great energy, normal appetite, etc. Once your body adjusts to it, it's a great birth control option!"

• mel...
• April 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking Generess FE for a year and three months, and it works great! No weight gain, no acne, no episodes of mood swings except period PM symptoms, but those are normal. I still have a period, but it's shorter and lighter. I do have cramps a lot, only on period though. There's no spotting or discharge for me. I've had a great experience with this pill and totally recommend it for those who are anemic like me, especially!"

• cjo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Generess for 4 months. The savings card is nice because you only have to pay $25 out of pocket. And the chewable mint-flavored pill is nice too. But I had to give it a lower rating because it made my skin very oily and completely broken out all the time. I was on Beyaz before and loved it, and it cleared my skin amazingly."

• Chu...
• May 6, 2013

For Birth Control "Right after I had the Implanon removed, I switched to Generess Fe. I have been taking the pill for over 2 months now and haven't experienced any nausea or vomiting. No problems with acne. Does what it should - prevents pregnancy and lightens periods."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I did not like Generess. It made my periods very regular (but heavy) and did prevent pregnancy well, but it made me break out like crazy and gain weight. I've never had a real acne problem until I got on this pill at 20. I've been on it for 4 months and have had non-stop cystic acne. This acne has been not only on my face, but also on my neck, chest, back, and butt. This pill also made me gain 8 lbs, and I have not changed eating habits at all. This pill has also caused me to have ridiculous mood swings and be a cranky, moody, slightly bitchy person. Would not recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for 3 months now. Dr. switched me to it because I have endometriosis and the original birth control I was on (Loestrin) wasn't helping my symptoms. I've been symptom-free for 2 months now. I've had no nausea or weight gain. I have been breaking out, but considering the symptoms I had with the endometriosis, I'll take a little acne if it means my pain is gone. Periods have gotten much lighter and shorter. So far, so good!"

• reb...
• November 6, 2013

For Birth Control "I started Generess Fe 3 weeks ago, and at first I was extremely wary; I had reviews about unstoppable weight gain, terrible mood swings, breakthrough bleeding, acne worsening, and headaches, so I was on the edge. The first 3 days, my face broke out the worst it had since middle school, and I was so upset about it because I had spent so much time and money to get good skin, but after about a week and a half or two, my face has completely cleared up. Since then, I actually have less small acne than when I wasn't on BC. The only side effects I have experienced so far (knock on wood) are I am a bit more touchy on certain days or even random days, and I have a good bit more of the munchies or cravings, but otherwise no weight gain or crazy moods. :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2016

For Birth Control "The 10 is for effectiveness, but for nothing else. Generess kept me baby-free. I have endometriosis, why my dr prescribed this med, and my cycle is only 2 days but still pretty heavy. But oh, the side effects. I'm 21, breaking out worse than I did even going through puberty. My appetite has spiked, I've gained about 8 lbs, and can't seem to get it off with my usual gym/boxing class regimen. I already practice a mostly yeast-free eating lifestyle, and still nothing helped. Further, my anxiety is OFF THE CHARTS. I have a history with depression but haven't actually experienced it like this in years, which adds to the constant fatigue. Switching to Mirena this cycle - I hope your experience is better than mine!!"

• MR_...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on Generess Fe now for over two years, and I am switching to a different birth control. The main reason I'm switching is that my sex drive is virtually non-existent, and my doctor said that is because Generess levels you out (because it is super low in estrogen), so you don't get the 'highs' you would get with some other birth control pills or without birth control. Also, it is not covered by most insurance because it is a chewable (I've paid about $25 a month, which is not as fun as free). And I feel like it gives me uncontrollable breakouts -- I also looked into this, and a lack of estrogen causes your skin to produce more oil, which causes breakouts. On the plus side, I haven't had a period in over a year! Time to switch for me."

• Bro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Generess Fe for a little over six months now. I am very pleased with the pill and have not experienced any nausea, weight gain, or breakouts. I had acne before, but after I started taking the pill, it cleared up a lot. So far, I have had a shorter and lighter period with much less cramping. I did have spotting in between periods the first couple of months, but that has stopped now. I'm a little freaked out because my period is a lot lighter this month than it has been in the past, but from the reviews that I read, other people on this pill experience extremely light periods too, or no periods at all. I cannot say how well the pill works for preventing pregnancy, though, because I use other forms of protection too."

• Bro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been taking Generess Fe for a little over six months now. I am very pleased with the pill and have not experienced any nausea, weight gain, or breakouts. I had acne before, but after I started taking the pill, it cleared up a lot. So far, I have had a shorter and lighter period with much less cramping. I did have spotting in between periods the first couple of months, but that has stopped now. I'm a little freaked out because my period is a lot lighter this month than it has been in the past, but from the reviews that I read, other people on this pill experience extremely light periods too, or no periods at all. I cannot say how well the pill works for preventing pregnancy, though, because I use other forms of protection too."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm on Mylan's generic version of Generess Fe, and so far it's been okay. I've been on four different birth controls in the past year and a half, and I was put on this one to try to eliminate a cyst I've had since November. While I can say the cyst pain had gone away, I have now noticed that I get extremely nauseous on this pill. I'm sure it's just my body adjusting, but I feel terrible. I take the pill at 9 every night, so I think I have to make sure that I don't have an empty stomach when I take it. This pill has also made me break out a bit, but hopefully that will go away in the next few months."

• Ash...
• January 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking this birth control because it allowed you to still have a period every month. Previously, I had been on a BC that only allowed a period every 2 months, and I don't think my body liked that. However, I stopped taking Generess and got an IUD. After I stopped using Generess, I have had the worst cystic acne on my face and body. I have been off of the pill for over a year, and I still have terrible acne problems. It has gotten better over time, but it is still bad. I wish I would have never been prescribed this pill."